Recombinant Proteins
Product List
NHLH1 Human
Nescient Helix Loop Helix 1 Human Recombinant
NHLH1 is fused to a 23 amino acid His-tag at N-terminus & purified by proprietary chromatographic techniques.
NHLH2 Human
Nescient Helix Loop Helix 2 Human Recombinant
NHLH2 is fused to a 23 amino acid His-tag at N-terminus & purified by proprietary chromatographic techniques.
Introduction
Nescient Helix Loop Helix (NHLH) proteins are a subset of the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors. These proteins are characterized by a conserved domain structure consisting of two α-helices connected by a loop. The bHLH domain facilitates dimerization and DNA binding, allowing these proteins to regulate gene expression. NHLH proteins are classified within the larger bHLH superfamily, which is divided into several classes based on sequence homology and functional properties .
NHLH proteins, such as NHLH2, exhibit specific expression patterns and tissue distribution. They are predominantly expressed in the hypothalamus and play a crucial role in regulating energy homeostasis, body mass, and reproductive functions . NHLH2 is involved in the development of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and is essential for the proper functioning of both white and brown adipose tissues .
NHLH proteins serve as transcriptional activators, binding to E-box motifs in the promoter regions of target genes. NHLH2, for example, regulates the expression of genes involved in energy expenditure, physical activity, and reproductive longevity . It also plays a role in immune responses and pathogen recognition by modulating the expression of prohormone convertase 1/3 (PC1/3), which is involved in the processing of proopiomelanocortin (POMC) peptides .
NHLH proteins interact with other molecules and cells through dimerization and binding to specific DNA sequences. NHLH2 forms heterodimers with other transcription factors, such as STAT3, to regulate gene expression in response to signaling pathways like the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway . These interactions lead to downstream signaling cascades that influence various physiological processes, including energy balance and body weight regulation .
The expression and activity of NHLH proteins are tightly regulated at multiple levels. Transcriptional regulation involves binding of transcription factors to promoter regions, while post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation, can modulate protein stability and activity . NHLH2, for instance, is regulated by leptin signaling in the hypothalamus, which influences its role in energy homeostasis .
NHLH proteins have significant applications in biomedical research, particularly in understanding metabolic disorders and developing therapeutic strategies. NHLH2 has been studied as a potential target for obesity treatment due to its role in regulating body mass and energy expenditure . Additionally, NHLH proteins can serve as diagnostic markers for certain genetic conditions, such as hypogonadotropic hypogonadism .
NHLH proteins play critical roles throughout the life cycle, from development to aging and disease. During development, they are involved in the formation and migration of neuronal cells . In adulthood, NHLH2 continues to regulate energy balance and reproductive functions. Dysregulation of NHLH proteins can lead to metabolic disorders, obesity, and reproductive issues .
